Learning Coding in 8th Grade

How do you prepare today's students to create tomorrow's careers? Many top professions didn't exist just a few years ago, and with the technology available now, even teenagers can create paying jobs for themselves and their peers. Through partnerships with Miami University's Computer Science and Software Engineering Department, the Dayton Regional STEM Center, and Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) from Pittsburgh, Brookville students are being prepared to lead the way. This year BIS has added a class on the computer language called "computer code".  On December 18th, Miami professor Dr. Jerry Gannod taught several BIS students how to use "computer code", as a part of the worldwide Hour of Code initiative. BIS students practiced using computer code to design and create their own applications (apps) that they uploaded onto Kindle Fire devices provided by Dr. Gannod.

Creating a Windmill

Also preparing Brookville students are several Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) events being held this year.  In the first two STEM events, over 250 BIS students used the Engineering Design Process to solve real world problems. The next event-The Future of Fashion on March 12th - is free and invites BIS students to design an article of clothing that generates energy. All materials will be provided and every participant will receive a free solar light for their design. Wearable technology is a rapidly growing field, and it's already possible to charge your cell phone from your sneaker-- just by walking. With these opportunities and more happening in Brookville, today's students are being prepared to create tomorrow's careers. 

To view photos from the Water and Wind STEM nights, please click here to see the gallery. To view the STEM Introductory Video and the STEM Video from the Water night, please click on the following links:  

Welcome to this first e-newsletter, the Blue Connector, provided by Brookville Schools as an additional tool for communication.  We know that providing frequent, consistent and informative school news to all our stakeholders can only benefit our efforts toward improvement and success.

Developing a plan for communicating with multiple community groups is not an easy challenge.  First, the stakeholders we want to reach are so greatly varied.  There are those connected to our students; parents, custodial caregivers, grandparents, day care providers, etc.  However, we also hope to provide information to those living in the community who don't have a child in our schools; they too have a vested interest in our operation.  That may be as a tax payer, someone who understands that tomorrow's success is dependent on today's children, or both.  Second, traditional means of communication have become less effective.  There are fewer homes that receive and read the weekly local newspaper.  While print newspapers are still a way to release information, it does not carry the same effectiveness as in years past.  Lastly, "snail mail" newsletters have become cost prohibitive and as a school district, we strive to improve communications while protecting our budget.    

We are very excited to launch this initiative of an e-newsletter.  It will not only give you pertinent and timely school news, but it will also provide live links to additional information found online.  We like the idea that electronic communication is less expensive, yet easier to 'grow' within the community.  You will find access to subscribe or unsubscribe as you desire.  We encourage you to share the newsletter with others such as family, friends and neighbors.

As always we appreciate your continued support of Brookville Local Schools.  Pursuing our mission to "challenge, prepare and support all children to reach their full potential" is dependent on such support.  We hope the Blue Connector allows you feel truly connected to this mission.

The 100th day of school is always a big event in the early grades of elementary school.  We will celebrate our 100th day on Friday, February 6.  My, time sure flies.  We will enjoy fun activities throughout the week to celebrate the occasion. 

Students in kindergarten will focus on finding objects in and around the classroom which add up to 100.  In addition, they will be creating projects using 100 objects, and even dressing up like they are 100 years old. First graders will welcome parents on February 6th at 10:00 a.m. for 100th day classroom activities followed by a musical performance in the cafeteria. Second grade students will put their technology skills to work researching what it was like to live 100 years ago.  They will present this information using a poster, PowerPoint, Prezi or 3-D model.  It has been a wonderful 100 days of school full of learning and fun! 

To see more about what is happening at the Elementary School, click here to read the current and past newsletters.

Scheduling In Grades 7-8

In the past, scheduling for grades 7-8 has been done during the school day, due to the limited amount of input students had regarding their daily schedules. Most of their day is filled with required classes and communication was done through letters home to parents. 

This year, however, due to changes from the Ohio Department of Education, if needed, a scheduling meeting may be called at a later date. One of the changes from the Ohio Department of Education is the College Credit Plus (CCP) program (formerly PSEO). Starting in the 2015 school year, eligible students in grades 7-12 will have the ability to earn college credits. To learn more about CCP and be eligible to participate, you must attend the College Credit Plus meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.

Mrs. Donati - HS Guidance Counselor  Mrs. Limbert - HS Guidance Secretary

Scheduling In Grades 9-12

Mrs. Donati's Webpage 

Mrs. Spangler's Webpage 

We are happy to introduce Mrs. Leigh Sargeant, one of our wonderful staff members at Brookville Local Schools. Our Staff Spotlight will be a regular feature in the e-newsletter and we hope you enjoy getting to know our staff.

Q:  Where is your hometown?

Marshall, VA

Q:  Where do you live now?

Vandalia, OH

Q:  How many years of teaching experience do you have?

2.5

Q:  How many years have you taught in Brookville?

2.5

Q:  What is your position in the school district?

Speech-language pathologist

Q:  Tell us about your family and your hobbies outside of teaching? 

I live with my husband and our 9-month-old son.  Watching our little man learn about his world has taken over most of our free time. I also enjoy reading do-it-yourself blogs and visiting the library.

Q:  What is your favorite thing about teaching in Brookville?

I love the Brookville community.  Being from out-of-state, it has been wonderful getting to know such friendly students, parents, and staff.

Q:  How do you spend June and July?

I love the warmer months! We typically visit family and friends back in Virginia and try to spend as much time outdoors as we can. We enjoy hiking, backpacking, and visiting the MetroParks.

For additional information regarding Mrs. Sargeant, please visit her webpage.

Mr. Alex Baker 2008 Graduate

Brookville Schools are proud of our series, "Where Are They Now?" which features profiles of past Brookville High School graduates. These graduates have responded to brief questions concerning their education or training after high school, their current occupation and their words of wisdom to the students in our buildings.

A new profile is posted every two weeks to our website and posters can be found throughout the buildings.  We are currently running our fifth profile, 2008 Graduate Mr. Alex Baker.  Mr. Baker's profile can be found here on our website.  Future issues of the Blue Connector will contain a link to the current profile on the left sidebar, under "Links You Might Like".  To view prior profiles, click here and hover over "Where Are They Now? Archives" to choose a profile.

Across the state there has been media attention to new changes in how schools are handling calamity days.  Gone are the required number of days that students had to be in attendance. The new rules include the removal of the traditional limit of 5 days a year that school could be dismissed without the necessity of using "make up" days.

Now, the State has set a minimum number of hours students must be in attendance.  What is counted as classroom instructional time is very clearly defined.  At this time Brookville students are scheduled to attend a total number of hours that comfortably exceeds these minimums.  Therefore, the sixth calamity day used would not immediately result in the need for scheduling make up days.  The Board of Education does, however, have local authority to require instructional time be made up.  This is true even if the district is above the threshold of the minimum required hours.

Inclement weather during the winter months can result in school cancellations or delays.  The delay/closing options used by Brookville Schools include:

• Two-Hour Delay - all schedules are adjusted by two hours, and
• Closed - all buildings are closed. 

The decision to close and/or delay school is typically broadcast by all area TV stations and the district One Call Now system.  Phone numbers to receive the One Call alerts can be registered through the district website at www.brookvilleschools.org (scroll to the bottom of the page) or by contacting your child's building office.  Multiple numbers can be registered per student. You can also check WhioTV Online for the latest on school delays and closing.

Feeding the Homeless @ St. Vincent

Key Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character, and develop leadership.  The core values of Key Club International are leadership, character building, caring and inclusiveness.  Key Club at Brookville High School is a branch of our local Kiwanis organization.  Kiwanis also works to support Brookville Intermediate School's Builder's Club and K-Kids.  All four clubs have a common goal of serving children of the world.  Kiwanis advocates this vision every day by providing opportunities to serve for every member of the community. 

This year our Key Club has already provided over 250 hours of community service from our 60 members. The members helped our local community and participated in a number of fund-raisers to help various organizations.  In 2014, Kiwanis, Key Club, K-Kids and Builders Club came together to clean up Golden Gate Park and provide picnic areas.  Key Club members have and continue to serve each month at St. Vincent Homeless Shelter in Dayton, they sponsor Bingo each month at Brookhaven, collected money for the National UNICEF program, worked with elementary students through various activities, helped collect toys for Toys for Tots, and worked with the VFW to distribute Thanksgiving baskets.  Kiwanis, Key Club, K-Kids and Builders Club members are continuing their service into the new year.